Is systematic post-operative CT scan indicated after chronic subdural hematoma surgery? A case-control study.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interest of systematic post-operative CT scan after unilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation. To achieve this goal, we chose to evaluate the ability of post-operative CT scan to predict the most frequent complication of CSDH: hematoma recurrence. We performed a retrospective case-control study. Cases were defined as patients who had CSDH recurrence; controls were those who did not. We first studied clinical data and pre-operative CT scan data. We then studied post-operative CT scan data: hematoma thickness and its decrease, persistence of midline shift, its value and its decrease, and presence of compressive pneumocephalus. Among 654 patients, 15 were defined as cases, and were matched with 30 non-recurrent patients defined as controls. Regarding systematic post-operative CT scan findings, unilateral CSDH recurrence was clearly associated with the persistence of midline shift induced by the presence of compressive pneumocephalus. Systematic post-operative CT scan after unilateral CSDH evacuation could predict hematoma recurrence. We therefore considered it as recommended, to adapt the clinical and radiological follow-up of CSDH patients.